AUSTRALIA'S leading bookmakers today rushed to virtually dismiss Newcastle as a premiership no-hoper upon confirmation Andrew Johns would miss the rest of the National Rugby League season. Most bookies suspended betting on all things involving the Knights when news began to filter through this afternoon that something was amiss with the champion halfback and Test captain.

ON Tuesday London Broncos announced that the club would remain at Griffin Park for another five seasons, and today, captain Jim Dymock has
agreed to a one-year extension to his contract, keeping him at the Broncos until the end of the 2004 season.

A week is a long time in football. I know I've heard that somewhere before and for the Knights, never has a statement rung true with such clarity. Last weekend the Knights thumped the hapless Cowboys and Knights fans had reason to be cautiously optimistic about their chances leading up to the finals then they have the collective rug pulled out from under them when it was revealed yesterday the games premier player Andrew Johns has a bulging disc in his neck that will prevent him from taking the field again this year, including the Kangaroo tour.